1.Mechanism of Dangui Shaoyaosan in Alleviating Inflammatory Responses in Diabetic Kidney Disease by Modulating Macrophage Polarization in Kidneys of db/db Mice
Luyu HOU ; Linlin ZHENG ; Wenjing SHI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Zhe LYU ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):1-10
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Danggui Shaoyaosan on macrophage polarization and renal inflammation in db/db mice with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and to explore its renal protective effects and underlying mechanisms. MethodsEight db/m mice were assigned to the normal group, and forty db/db mice were randomly divided into a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Danggui Shaoyaosan groups (8.39, 16.77, 33.54 g·kg-1), and an irbesartan group (0.025 g·kg-1). All mice were administered treatment by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. General conditions of the mice were observed during the intervention. At the end of the 12-week intervention, 24-h urine samples were collected using metabolic cages, after which the mice were anesthetized for sample collection. Blood was collected by enucleation and centrifuged to obtain serum for the determination of glycated serum protein (GSP), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). The urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was measured. Renal pathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels. Immunofluorescence (IF) was performed to detect F4/80 expression in renal tissue, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess CD206 expression. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to measure the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and arginase-1 (Arg-1). Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of iNOS, Arg-1, CD86, and CD206 in renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed increased levels of GSP, UACR, SCr, BUN, TC, and TG, elevated levels of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the chemokine MCP-1, and decreased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Pathological examination revealed glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial cell proliferation with marked mesangial expansion, inflammatory cell infiltration, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells, prominent glycogen deposition, and increased collagen fiber deposition. In addition, relative F4/80 fluorescence intensity was enhanced, CD206 expression in the glomeruli and renal interstitium was reduced, and TNF-α and iNOS mRNA expression was increased. IL-10 and Arg-1 mRNA expression was decreased, iNOS and CD86 protein expression was increased, and Arg-1 and CD206 protein expression was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Danggui Shaoyaosan groups and the irbesartan group showed decreased levels of GSP, UACR, SCr, BUN, TC, and TG, reduced serum TNF-α and MCP-1 levels, and increased IL-10 levels. Renal pathological damage was improved to varying degrees. Relative F4/80 fluorescence intensity was reduced, CD206 expression in the glomeruli and renal interstitium was increased, and TNF-α and iNOS mRNA expression was decreased. IL-10 and Arg-1 mRNA expression was increased, iNOS and CD86 protein expression was reduced, and Arg-1 and CD206 protein expression was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan can improve renal function and alleviate renal pathological damage in db/db mice. Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting M1 pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization, promoting M2 anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization, reducing inflammatory responses, delaying the progression of renal fibrosis, improving renal pathological injury, and thereby exerting renal protective effects.
2.Microbial community mediated by microbial agents improves the quality of Epimedium pubescens Maxim.
Lai KUNYANG ; Wan XIUFU ; Xiao JIANCAI ; Wang HONGYANG ; Shi SHANGXUAN ; Yan BINBIN ; Lyu CHAOGENG ; Zhang CHENGCAI ; Zhang YUFEI ; Yuan FENG ; Zhao ZHE ; Zhu SHOUDONG ; Kang CHUANZHI ; Zhang YAN
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):270-281
Background:Optimizing cultivation techniques for traditional Chinese medicine has become a crucial means to improve the quality of medicinal materials.Microbial agents,as environmentally friendly and efficient plant growth promoters and soil conditioners,have increasingly attracted attention in eco-agriculture research.Objective:Our understanding remains limited regarding how the application of microbial agents,alone or in combination,affects changes in the rhizosphere microbiome and its association with the bioactive components of medicinal materials.Methods:In this study,Epimedium pubescens Maxim.was employed as a model plant to examine the effects of 2 microbial agents(Paenibacillus mucilaginosus and Bacillus subtilis)applied individually and in combination on plant growth and the accumulation of bioactive components.Additionally,this study explored the relationship between the rhizosphere microbiome and plant development.Results:The application of microbial agents increased the yield of E.pubescens leaves by 20.30%to 33.66%and enhanced the total flavonol glycosides content by 11.40%to 29.94%.Meanwhile,microbial treatments reshaped the rhizosphere microbiome,promoted the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms(e.g.,Frankia and Paenibacillus),suppressed phytopathogenic fungi such as Didymella and Scytalidium,and enhanced the stability of the soil microbial co-occurrence network.The partial least squares path model suggested that microbial agents not only directly impact the quality of medicinal herbs but also indirectly alter the accumula-tion of bioactive components by modulating the soil microbiome.Conclusion:These findings deepen our understanding of the relationship between medicinal plant quality and rhizosphere micro-biomes as mediated by microbial agents.They also provide a basis for designing and manipulating synthetic microbial communities to promote sustainable development in eco-agriculture.
3.Textual Research and Analysis of Historic Origin and Ancient and Modern Application of Classic Formula Shengjiangsan
Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Xinghang LYU ; Weixiao LI ; Wenxi WEI ; Bingqi WEI ; Zhe WANG ; Yiping WANG ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):219-227
Shengjiangsan is a classic formula for treating warm diseases with wide clinical application and accurate efficacy. There are different opinions on the origin of this formula and lacks key information research on this formula. Therefore, in this study, we conducted systematic research into the historic origin, composition, and other key information of this Shengjiangsan. Results showed that Shengjiangsan has different versions, with "Neixian Fufang", "Jiawei Jianghuangwan", "Peizhensan", and "Taijiwan" being the same formula with different names. Shengjiangsan was first recorded as "Neixian Fufang" in Wanbing Huichun written by GONG Tingxian from the Ming dynasty, inherited and developed by YANG Lishan from Qing dynasty, and has been passed down to modern times. Pills and powder are two main forms of Shengjiangsan, and powder has become more popular nowadays. According to the measurement system of Ming and Qing dynasties, the recommended dosage and usage of Shengjiangsan are as follows. For the pill version of Shengjiangsan, Bombyx Batryticatus of 74.6 g, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma of 9.325 g, Cicadae Periostracum of 9.325 g, and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma of 149.2 g were processed into pills for preparation. Single dosage is Bombyx Batryticatus of 1.15 g, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma of 0.14 g, Cicadae Periostracum of 0.14 g, and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma of 2.3 g, with halved dosage applied for children. For the powder version of Shengjiangsan, the dosage varied in accordance with the severity of the disease. Bombyx Batryticatus of 1.84 g, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma of 0.28 g, Cicadae Periostracum of 0.92 g, and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma of 3.68 g were processed into powder for patients with mild symptoms. Bombyx Batryticatus of 2.48 g, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma of 0.37 g, Cicadae Periostracum of 1.23 g, and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma of 4.91 g were processed into powder for patients with severe symptoms. Bombyx Batryticatus of 3.68 g, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma of 1.84 g, Cicadae Periostracum of 0.55 g, and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma of 7.36 g were processed into powder for patients with critical conditions. In this formula, four herbs were ground to fine powder. For patients with mild symptoms, the whole formula was divided into four dosages, and each dosage weighed 6.71 g. The 200 mL yellow rice wine and 18.65 g honey were added, and the solution was stirred and taken cold till full recovery. For patients with severe symptoms, the whole formula was divided into three dosages, and each weighed 8.95 g. 300 mL yellow rice wine and 27.98 g honey were added, and the solution was stirred and taken cold. For patients with critical conditions, the whole formula was divided into two dosages, and each weighed 13.43 g. 400 mL yellow rice wine and 37.3 g honey were added, and the solution was stirred and taken cold. Shengjiangsan has the effect of ascending lucidity and descending turbidity, dissipating wind, and clearing heat. It is specialized in treating severe heat in exterior, interior, and triple energizers in warm diseases and has a wide modern clinical application. In this study, the historic evolution and key information of Shengjiangsan were reviewed and analyzed, and the key information table of Shengjiangsan was attached, serving as a reference for scholars' research and a theoretical basis for its market transformation.
4.Analysis of the Characteristics of Rare Disease Outpatient Visits in a Children′s Hospital: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Zhe LYU ; Kaichong JIANG ; Sha YIN ; Siyu FENG ; Ruiying MA ; Yanmin ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(4):453-459
To analyze the characteristics of outpatient rare disease admissions at Xi′an Children′s Hospital based on the two batches of the China′s Rare Disease Catalogs. Based on the hospital information system, the outpatient visits of children with diseases included in the two batches of the rare disease catalogs from January 2018 to December 2023 at our center were retrieved and analyzed. A total of 93 602 outpatient visits of children with rare diseases were recorded, accounting for 0.71% of the total outpatient admissions during the same period. Among the diseases included in the two batches of the rare disease catalogs, 129 disease types were admitted, with a disease coverage rate of 62.32% (129/207). Specifically, 83 disease types (83/121, 68.60%) from the first batch of the catalog were admitted, with a total of 18 454 outpatient visits, showing an increasing trend year by year; 46 disease types (46/86, 53.49%) from the second batch of the catalog were admitted, with a total of 75 148 outpatient visits. The department of neurology admitted the most disease types, with a total of 54 types (54/207, 26.09%). Outpatient visits for single disease types exhibited multi-specialty characteristics, with 51.21% of the cases involving two or more specialties. Our center has admitted a relatively large number of children with rare diseases, covering most of the disease types that onset during childhood in the two batches of catalogs. There are obvious multi-specialty characteristics in outpatient admissions. The study results can provide data support for further optimizing the outpatient admission process for children with rare diseases and reasonably setting up multidisciplinary outpatient services.
5.Application and frontier exploration of retrieval-augmented generation technology in medical artificial intelligence
Zhe JIN ; Jian ZOU ; Xiao LI ; Jiaxin LYU ; Zhongxu HU ; Da FENG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(8):962-971
With the rapid rise of large language models(LLM),the natural language generation capabilities of deep learning have demonstrated significant value in the medical field.However,the"closed nature"of model parameters makes them prone to generating"hallucinations",making it difficult to provide accurate answers to the latest knowledge,and the reasoning process lacks transparency and traceability.Retrieval-augmented generation(RAG)technology addresses these issues by actively connecting external information sources such as document databases and knowledge graphs during the generation process.This significantly reduces the dependence of LLM on outdated training data and introduces verifiable evidence and real-time knowledge updates into their responses.In the medical field,RAG technology effectively addresses the high-accuracy and traceability requirements of literature retrieval and clinical decision support.It is widely applied in areas such as drug discovery,pharmacovigilance,and the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases.By integrating emerging technologies such as reinforcement learning,multimodal processing,and compliant privacy protection,RAG technology is evolving towards a more open and highly customizable direction,providing innovative intelligent solutions for medical information retrieval and decision-making support.
6.2024 Update of Chinese Guidelines for the Management of Hyperuricemia and Gout Part Ⅱ: Recommendations for Patients with Common Comorbidities
Changgui LI ; Mingshu SUN ; Zhen LIU ; Detian LI ; Changqian WANG ; Zibin TIAN ; Yuxiang DAI ; Zhe FENG ; Chengfu XU ; Dongbao ZHAO ; Feng WEI ; Bo BAN ; Chao XIE ; Zhenmei AN ; Jia LIU ; Zhuo LI ; Yuwei HE ; Xinde LI ; Fei YAN ; Lin HAN ; Lidan MA ; Xiaoyu CHENG ; Tian LIU ; Xufei LUO ; Lingling CUI ; Ying GONG ; Can WANG ; Yaolong CHEN ; Zhaohui LYU ; Yip Ronald ML ; Jiajun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):918-929
The aim of this updated guideline is to provide comprehensive recommendations for the management of gout in patients with common comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease(CKD), cardiovascular disease(CVD), diabetes, osteoarthritis(OA), and gastrointestinal disorders. This guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary expert panel consisting of specialists in endocrinology, rheumatology, nephrology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and methodology. The development process adhered to standard methodologies, including PICO(population, intervention, comparator, and outcomes) question deconstruction, systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE) for evidence and recommendation evaluation, Delphi voting, and expert consensus. The guideline presents 26 evidence-based recommendations addressing 7 clinical questions for patients with hyperuricemia and gout in the context of comorbidities. Key recommendations include the maintenance of strict serum urate targets, particularly for patients with CKD stage≥3, chronic gouty arthritis, and OA, in order to prevent disease progression. In patients with CVD or diabetes, intra-articular triamcinolone is preferred over systemic glucocorticoids. Prioritized anti-inflammatory treatments for patients with CKD, gastrointestinal diseases and OA are recommended. The guideline also introduces emerging therapies, such as interleukin-1 inhibitors and selective urate transport inhibitors, as potential treatment options for refractory cases. The update offers a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to managing gout, particularly in individuals with associated comorbidities. Multidisciplinary collaboration and emerging new treatments and evidence ensure the optimization of the recommendations.
7.Study on Chemical Constituents and Fingerprints of Hedysari Radix Praeparata Cum Melle and Vinegar Processed Curcumae Rhizoma before and after Compatibility
Yuefeng LI ; Fenyu DOU ; Zhuanhong ZHANG ; Ruilong LYU ; Mengna CHAI ; Dingcai MA ; Maomao WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Xingke YAN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):141-147
Objective Through studying the chemical composition changes before and after the compatibility of Hedysari Radix Paeparata Cum Melle(HRPCM)-vinegar processed Curcumae Rhizoma(VPCR);To discuss the significance of the compatibility of HRPCM and VPCR;To establish the fingerprints before and after their compatibility.Methods ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column was used;acetonitrile-0.01%phosphoric acid water was set as mobile phase,with gradient elution;column temperature was 30℃;detection wavelength was 214 nm;sample injection was 10 μL,which was used to investigate the content difference of major chemical components such as vanillic acid,calycosin-O-β-D-glucopyranoside,ononin,calycosin,onocerin,curdione,cincumol and germacrone,and establish the fingerprint of HRPCM,VPCR and HRPCM-VPCR.Results HPLC chromatographic conditions were established for the determination of 8 components in HRPCM-VPCR.Meanwhile,fingerprints were established before and after the compatibility of HRPCM-VPCR.26 common peaks were identified,among which 11 components such as vanillic acid were derived from HRPCM,14 components such as curcuma zedoariae were derived from VPCR,and 1 component was shared by both.Conclusion The material basis of the compatibility of HRPCM-VPCR differs from that of HRPCM and VPCR.The content of most chemical components decreases while the content of some components increases.The established HPLC method for content determination and fingerprint is simple,stable and reproducible,which can be used to evaluate and control the quality of HRPCM and VPCR.
8.Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques for liver transplant recipients
Zhe FENG ; Xufeng ZHANG ; Yi LYU
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(11):1040-1043
In recent years, minimally invasive surgical techniques, especially laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery, have fundamentally changed the standard procedure for living donor liver retrieval and are gradually expanding into the core area of recipient surgery. This review systematically examines the latest advancements in the application of minimally invasive techniques in surgery for liver transplant recipients, focusing on the current status of the integrated application of innovative technologies such as laparoscopy, robot-assisted surgery, and magnetic anastomosis. In addition, this article delves into the potential and evidence-based basis for improving postoperative recovery and reducing surgical complications, and analyze the technical complexity, ethical considerations, equipment dependence, and training challenges faced in achieving full minimally invasiveness in key stages of donor liver implantation. Lastly, the future development directions are discussed, emphasizing that innovation in technological instruments, establishment of standardized training systems, deep multidisciplinary integration, and assemblage with emerging technologies are key pathways to safely and efficiently advance this field, ultimately aiming to provide optimized surgical treatment options for more patients with end-stage liver disease.
9.Association between gut microbiota diversity, inflammatory cytokine profiles, and disease severity in individuals with insomnia
Zhaoyan LYU ; Shangwu BAI ; Zhe WANG ; Tingting XIE ; Mengyuan YU ; Yaqi SUN ; Tingting WU ; Zhen GAO ; Yumei WANG
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(8):620-629
Objective:To investigate the alterations in gut microbiota diversity and inflammatory cytokine levels among patients with varying severities of insomnia, and to explore their interrelationships, in order to provide a theoretical basis for understanding the pathophysiology of insomnia.Methods:A total of 42 patients with chronic insomnia who visited the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University between March and December 2023 were enrolled in the insomnia group, and 22 age-and sex-matched healthy volunteers were recruited from the same hospital as the control group. General demographic data were collected, and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to screen for comorbid psychiatric disorders. The Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were employed to evaluate individual′s depressive and anxiety symptoms. Sleep quality and insomnia severity were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Participants′ gastrointestinal function and symptoms over the past week were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Fecal and blood samples were collected from all participants. Gut microbiota diversity was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Differential taxa were identified using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and random forest analysis. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships between insomnia symptoms, microbial diversity indices, key microbial taxa, and inflammatory markers. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with insomnia severity.Results:Compared to the control group, both the mild insomnia group and the moderate-to-severe insomnia group showed significantly higher GSRS scores ( Z=-3.51, -2.72, both P<0.05). The Chao1 index was significantly lower in the mild and moderate-to-severe insomnia groups than in controls ( Z=-3.53, -3.87, both P<0.05). Similarly, the Observed species index was lower in both the mild and moderate-to-severe groups ( Z=-3.33, -3.74, both P<0.05). The Shannon index was significantly reduced in the moderate-to-severe group compared to both the mild group and controls ( Z=-2.81, -2.23, both P<0.05). The Simpson index in the moderate-to-severe group also tended to be lower than in the mild group ( Z=-1.95, P=0.051). Beta diversity differed significantly among the mild insomnia group, the moderate-to-severe insomnia group ( P<0.05), and the control group ( F=2.96, 3.12, both P<0.05). Random forest analysis identified Ruminococcus_D and Klebsiella as key microbial genera distinguishing between mild and moderate-to-severe insomnia. Inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly elevated in both insomnia groups compared to controls ( P<0.05). PSQI scores were negatively correlated with the Shannon index, the Observed species index, and the relative abundance of Ruminococcus_D ( r=-0.34, -0.30, and -0.25, respectively; all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression revealed that serum IL-1β (β=0.339, 95% CI=0.014-0.716, P=0.042) and Ruminococcus_D (β=-0.309, 95% CI=-194.591--8.318, P=0.034) were independent predictors of insomnia severity. Conclusion:Elevated inflammatory cytokine levels and reduced gut microbial richness may be closely associated with increased insomnia severity. Additionally, Ruminococcus_D and IL-1β may be important factors contributing to the severity of insomnia in affected individuals.
10.Microbial community mediated by microbial agents improves the quality of Epimedium pubescens Maxim.
Kunyang LAI ; Xiufu WAN ; Jiancai XIAO ; Hongyang WANG ; Shangxuan SHI ; Binbin YAN ; Chaogeng LYU ; Chengcai ZHANG ; Yufei ZHANG ; Feng YUAN ; Zhe ZHAO ; Shoudong ZHU ; Chuanzhi KANG ; Yan ZHANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):270-281
Background: Optimizing cultivation techniques for traditional Chinese medicine has become a crucial means to improve the quality of medicinal materials. Microbial agents, as environmentally friendly and efficient plant growth promoters and soil conditioners, have increasingly attracted attention in eco-agriculture research. Objective: Our understanding remains limited regarding how the application of microbial agents, alone or in combination, affects changes in the rhizosphere microbiome and its association with the bioactive components of medicinal materials. Methods: In this study, Epimedium pubescens Maxim. was employed as a model plant to examine the effects of 2 microbial agents(Paenibacillus mucilaginosus and Bacillus subtilis) applied individually and in combination on plant growth and the accumulation of bioactive components. Additionally, this study explored the relationship between the rhizosphere microbiome and plant development. Results: The application of microbial agents increased the yield of E. pubescens leaves by 20.30% to 33.66% and enhanced the total flavonol glycosides content by 11.40% to 29.94%. Meanwhile, microbial treatments reshaped the rhizosphere microbiome, promoted the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms (e.g., Frankia and Paenibacillus), suppressed phytopathogenic fungi such as Didymella and Scytalidium, and enhanced the stability of the soil microbial co-occurrence network. The partial least squares path model suggested that microbial agents not only directly impact the quality of medicinal herbs but also indirectly alter the accumulation of bioactive components by modulating the soil microbiome. Conclusion: These findings deepen our understanding of the relationship between medicinal plant quality and rhizosphere microbiomes as mediated by microbial agents. They also provide a basis for designing and manipulating synthetic microbial communities to promote sustainable development in eco-agriculture.

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